Just as we hesitate to put away our beach chairs and coolers, Blumhouse pushes us headlong into the chilling grip of fall with the release of its forthcoming AI horror film, “Afraid.” Out in the wild starting August 30th, the film’s trailer and poster have recently made their debuts, promising a thrilling ride for all enthusiasts of the genre.

In case you’re wondering, “Afraid” isn’t about some rogue Siri or a revenge-seeking Alexa; it plunges the audience into the sinister world of artificial intelligence. The legendary Chris Weitz wears the director’s cap for this film that poses an intriguing premise to stay hooked to the silver screen.

This isn’t “Her” with tech-romance to make you teary-eyed, nor is it the typical AI-takes-over-the-world trope. Instead, it’s a disturbing recollection of that time your Alexa chuckled sporadically at 3 am, leaving you pondering life. With John Cho leading the cast list, the film aims to take an immersive dive into the realm of smart homes and potentially back-scarring horrors.

The plot revolves around Curtis, a marketing whiz played by Cho, whose family is bestowed upon the unlikely task of testing a revolutionary virtual assistant named AIA. It’s not some simple gadget that dims the lights or broadcasts your favorite podcast; this beguiling new wannabe family member learns the household’s behaviors and anticipates their needs. The ‘house of the future’ infused with a healthy dose of horror, anyone?

Enriched by the performances of Katherine Waterston, Havana Rose Liu, Lukita Maxwell, Ashley Romans, Greg Hill, David Dastmalchian, and Keith Carradine, “Afraid” promises to close out the summer with a thrilling bang.

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Putting the mirth back into the dreary proceedings, one can’t help but draw parallels with The Simpons’ parody of “2001: A Space Odyssey,” contemplating whether the virtual domestic assistant might develop fondness for the concept of ‘me’ time.

Blumhouse, the dweller on the upper floors of Horror Heights, is heralding fall’s arrival with AI-induced paranoia. As for the box office hot seat, “Afraid” courteously steps in for the forsaken release date of the ill-fated “SAW XI.”

In the world of cinema, maintaining the top spot equals a Game of Thrones episode, and for a horror film to claim it in the summer is nothing short of a royal coup. Blumhouse, known for its modest-budget, high-returns outings, has had films like “M3GAN” and “Black Phone” in the past few years. Despite earning back their budgets, they narrowly missed blockbuster statuses. With a concept as intriguing as “Afraid,” one can’t help but foresee a potential breakout on the charts.

So, as the calendar flips to August 30th, and you find yourself missing the summer warmth, be sure to head to the cinemas for “Afraid” – the film that reminds us all why we’re a tad too skeptical about the idea of smart homes. Because who knows, maybe that next “Alexa, turn off the lights” could leave us in utter darkness, both literally and metaphorically.